Three Wilfrid Laurier University scientists have been awarded $152,000 in infrastructure grants by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). The national announcement was made by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology) June 5 in Halifax.

“Funding through CFI’s Leaders Opportunity Fund will enable these three Laurier scientists and their students to undertake innovative and useful projects that will contribute to the health and well-being of Canadians,” said Abby Goodrum, vice-president: research.

Developing antiviral strategies to protect the health of Canadians and their environment: Dewitte-Orr, assistant professor in Laurier’s Biology department and the Health Sciences program, will receive $44,374 for a fluorescence microscope and other equipment to support her work on antiviral strategies. With viruses causing global pandemics and vaccine resistance, it is more important than ever to understand the interactions between viruses and their hosts.

Musculoskeletal spinal disorders laboratory: Gregory, assistant professor in the department of Kinesiology and Physical Education and the Health Sciences program, will receive $76,997 for lab equipment to help understand the development and progression of low back pain and injuries in occupational and daily living tasks.

Investigating microbial biosynthetic capacity: Horsman, assistant professor in Laurier’s Chemistry department, will receive $30,901 for a suite of instrumentation for studying how microorganisms naturally synthesize small molecules such as antibiotics. Horsman’s team will investigate previously unexplored microbial metabolism from DNA naturally occurring in Canadian environments.

“The investments being announced today for Wilfrid Laurier University will further enhance our country’s reputation as a destination of choice for outstanding researchers,” said Gilles G. Patry, president and CEO of the CFI. “They will make our universities even more competitive when it comes to attracting the best and brightest researchers from around the world.”

About CFI

Created by the Government of Canada in 1997, the Canada Foundation for Innovation strives to build the nation’s capacity to undertake world-class research and technology development to benefit Canadians through investments in state-of-the-art facilities and equipment in universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions. The $47.7 million investment by the Federal Government through the CFI Leaders Opportunity Fund announced today supports 234 projects across the country in the areas of health, agriculture and education.